Mouldy LPs

Yes Adrian, I did not think everybody agreed with idea, I was intending to provide some references to various methods of cleaning records of which I was aware, rather than a personal recommendation.

I clean records on the flat with a brush and cleaning solution then follow that with distilled water rinse and air drying.  Then I follow that with playing the record and if there is still marked/noticeable noise (aside from obvious physical damage) then a second wash and rinse cycle.

There seems some sense in Rudolphs idea that playing with a good stylus after thorough cleaning actually improves the sound by microscopically reflowing the vinyl surface at the now clean point of contact.

This playing will also indicate if there are any residues that the cleaning solution has been unable to remove that may require more aggressive methods of removal (no, not the angle grinder  ).

Non visible moulds will also grow on records on the remains of paper dust from the bag/cover and remnants of release agents from the pressing plant, this will be deeper in the grooves generally.

I have heard of vinegar being used to clean records, it should not do any damage.